🟦 WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?
During group work, your classmate stops talking, avoids eye contact, and shrugs when asked for input.
👉 What are they likely feeling and why?
“They might be nervous or unsure because they’re avoiding eye contact and not contributing.”
You accidentally interrupt someone while they’re talking.
👉 What should you do?
“I should say, ‘Sorry, go ahead,’ and let them finish speaking.”
You tell a joke in class and only one person laughs while others stay quiet.
👉 Answer BOTH:
“They might think the joke wasn’t funny or appropriate. I should move on instead of repeating it or making it awkward.”
Scenario:
A student keeps joking loudly during class, but when the teacher calls on them, they say “I don’t know.”
👉 What might they be feeling and why?
“They might feel insecure or unprepared, so they joke to avoid attention.”
You forget to respond to someone and they seem annoyed.
👉 What should you do?
“I should apologize and explain instead of ignoring it.”
A friend replies “I’m fine” in a short tone and turns back to their phone after you ask what’s wrong.
👉 What are they likely feeling?
“They’re probably upset or annoyed because their tone is short and they’re avoiding conversation.”
Your friend seems upset but says they don’t want to talk.
👉 What should you do?
“I should respect their space but let them know I’m there if they want to talk later.”
A friend starts hanging out with a new group and cancels plans with you.
👉 Answer BOTH:
“They may be trying to fit in with a new group. I should talk to them calmly instead of assuming they don’t care.”
Your friend takes longer than usual to reply and starts giving short responses like “lol” or “ok.”
👉 What might be going on?
“They might be losing interest or distracted, since their replies are shorter and less engaged.”
Someone copies your homework without asking.
👉 What should you do?
“I should tell them respectfully to ask first or not copy my work.”
A student laughs after being corrected by the teacher but then stops participating.
👉 What are they thinking?
“They might feel embarrassed and are trying to hide it by laughing, then avoiding participation.”
A classmate isn’t doing their part in a group project.
👉 What should you do?
“I should talk to them calmly and ask if they need help or remind them about their part.”
You’re talking and someone keeps interrupting you.
👉 Answer BOTH:
“They might be excited or not realizing they’re interrupting. I should politely say I wasn’t finished speaking.”
Someone rolls their eyes after you share an idea in a group.
👉 What are they likely thinking?
“They might think the idea isn’t good or don’t agree, shown by the eye roll.”
Your friend makes a joke about you that others laugh at, but it bothers you.
👉 What should you do?
“I should tell them privately that it bothered me instead of getting angry in public.”
Your teammate keeps checking the time and sighing while you’re explaining something slowly.
👉 What are they likely thinking?
“They might feel frustrated or impatient because they keep checking the time and sighing.”
Someone makes a sarcastic comment that feels rude.
👉 What should you do?
“I could ask if they were joking or let them know it came off as rude instead of reacting aggressively.”
A friend starts acting distant after you hang out with someone they don’t like.
👉 Answer BOTH:
“They might feel left out or jealous. I should talk to them and reassure them instead of ignoring it.”
A classmate suddenly starts acting overly nice after ignoring you for weeks.
👉 What might be their intention?
“They might want something or feel guilty, since their behavior changed suddenly.”
You’re in a group and two people start arguing.
👉 What should you do?
“I could stay calm and help redirect the group back to the task.”
Someone posts a vague message online: “Love how people switch up when it benefits them 🙄”
👉 What might they be thinking AND who could it be directed toward?
“They might feel betrayed or annoyed and could be talking about someone they know who acted fake or inconsistent.”
You’re left on read after sending an important message.
👉 What should you do?
⚠️ Must include:
“They might be busy or not ready to respond, so I should wait and follow up later instead of assuming they’re ignoring me.”
You send a message and someone replies with just “k.”
👉 Answer BOTH:
“They might be annoyed or busy. I should not overreact and can follow up later if needed.”
A friend says, “Do whatever you want, I don’t care,” but their tone sounds irritated.
👉 What are they REALLY feeling?
“They probably do care but are frustrated, even though their words say otherwise.”
Someone posts something about you online that isn’t true.
👉 What should you do?
⚠️ Must include calm + appropriate response
“I should address it calmly or report it instead of reacting aggressively online.”